Mount Margaret Backcountry

Explore rugged trails which lead to clear lakes, steep ridges and flowered, mountain slopes. View downed and standing dead trees killed during the 1980 eruption by a sizzling, lateral blast that pummeled the pristine forest, and see the plants and wildlife that have returned. The backcounty offers spectacular views of the crater, blast zone, and log-strewn Spirit Lake, as well as Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.

Trails are narrow, steep in places and can climb over 2,000 feet. Whittier Trail #214 is extremely challenging, very narrow, crosses steep cliffs, and is unsuitable for inexperienced hikers or those uncomfortable with heights.

Camping allowed at eight campsites by advance reservation only. Forest Road 99 and Forest Road 26 to Norway Pass Trailhead normally open the end of June through November. You can view a map of available campsites with a Backcountry Permit at Mount Margaret Backcountry Trails and Campsite Map. Portions of trails are often covered by snow until midsummer. Be prepared to cross snow slopes if you plan an early season visit as snow fields can linger through June.

Current Conditions

03/04/2025: The MMBC is currently under snow. Permits for the summer season will be available on recreation.gov: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/250003 .

Reservations

Permits required for overnight camping and available at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/250003 .

General Information

Attached you will find camp maps with current available water sources. Please note, water availability may change throughout the summer at Ridge Camp and camps located along the Boundary Trail.

Ridge Camp, Snow Camp, Shovel Camp, Obscurity Camp, Bear Camp, Dome Camp and Margaret Camp.

June - October

Day use only unless you purchase a Mount Margaret Backcountry Camping Permit.

Mount Margaret Backcountry Camping Permit required for overnight camping. Eight campsites to choose from. Obtain online or by phone (877) 444-6777 or if hearing impaired, (866) TDD-6777. For a map of campsites available with a Backcountry Camping Permit see: Mount Margaret Backcountry Trails and Campsite Map
A valid Recreation Pass is required at Norway Pass Trailhead: Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass accepted.

To protect natural features, pack stock and bicycles are prohibited in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
Pets must be leashed.
Fires are not allowed, plan to use a camp stove for cooking.
Camping is limited to eight designated campsites only.
Maximum group size for camping is 4 people, 8 people at Ridge Camp.
Dispersed Camping is authorized without a permit north of the Green River only.

Overnight camping requires Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit - $7/per person, per night fee. No dispersed camping allowed.
Norway Pass Trailhead: $5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.

Pets must be leashed.

Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Contact Phone: 360-449-7800